5 Best Beginner 3D Printers of 2023

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Welcome to the world of 3D printing in 2023! Whether you’re a beginner, student, or aspiring entrepreneur, choosing the right beginner 3D printer is essential for realizing your creative ideas. In this guide, we’ll review top options based on affordability, ease of use, and print quality, helping you confidently start your 3D printing journey this year.

1
AnkerMake M5

2
Creality Ender 3 Pro

3
Anycubic Kobra Plus

4
ELEGOO Resin Mars 3

5
Bambu Lab P1P

1. AnkerMake M5

The first one on our list is AnkerMake M5 3D Printer. The AnkerMake M5 3D Printer proves to be an exceptional choice for those just starting their journey into the realm of additive manufacturing.

One of the standout features of the AnkerMake M5 is its user-friendly design, perfectly tailored for beginners. The printer comes fully assembled, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures. Its compact size and sturdy construction make it suitable for any workspace, whether it be a classroom or a home studio. The intuitive touchscreen interface simplifies the printing process, allowing users to navigate through the menu effortlessly.

With its error Detection System,  M5 calculates a printing plan and uses extra processing power and an integrated intelligent camera to stick to it—keeping your model matching your design.

The AnkerMake M5 excels in terms of ease of use. It boasts simple and intuitive slicing software that converts 3D models into printable files. The printer’s auto-bed leveling feature ensures hassle-free calibration, reducing the chances of failed prints. The filament run-out sensor is a valuable addition, automatically pausing the print job and alerting users to load new filament, preventing wasted prints.

Despite being geared towards beginners, the AnkerMake M5 offers impressive print quality. With a layer resolution as low as 50 microns, it produces detailed and precise prints. The sturdy frame minimizes vibrations and contributes to the overall print accuracy. The printer’s heated bed provides excellent adhesion, ensuring that prints stick securely. 

Compared to other printers in its price range, the M5 provides a robust set of features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a generous build volume. 

In short, for beginners venturing into the world of 3D printing, the AnkerMake M5 3D Printer proves to be an outstanding choice. Its user-friendly design, ease of use, impressive print quality, and overall value make it an excellent investment.

Pros

  • Iconic Look
  • High Default Speed
  • Well-Tuned Profiles in Major Slicers
  • Wi-Fi, App, Slicer Work Well

Cons

  • Noisy
  • Minor Filament Feed Issues
  • Undocumented error alerts
  • Somewhat expensive

2. Creality Ender 3 Pro

The next one on our list is the Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer. The Creality Ender 3 Pro is an exceptional 3D printer that offers an ideal entry point for beginners and hobbyists looking to explore the world of 3D printing. 

One of the standout features of the Ender 3 Pro is its sturdy construction. The frame is made of high-quality V-slot aluminum extrusions, providing stability and durability during the printing process. The printer also comes partially assembled, making it relatively easy for beginners to set up and start printing right away.

The Ender 3 Pro offers a decent print volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, allowing users to print objects of reasonable size. The heated print bed ensures excellent adhesion and prevents warping issues, enabling users to print with a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and more.

Setting up the Ender 3 Pro is straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly interface and the detailed instructions provided. The printer comes with Creality’s own slicer software, Cura, which is intuitive and offers a good range of customization options. Additionally, the printer’s open-source nature allows users to experiment with different slicing software and firmware upgrades, further enhancing its versatility.

In terms of print quality, the Ender 3 Pro delivers impressive results. It can produce detailed and accurate prints with relatively minimal layer lines, especially when fine-tuned. However, like most budget 3D printers, it may require some tweaking and calibration to achieve optimal performance.

Another notable feature of the Ender 3 Pro is its silent motherboard, which significantly reduces operational noise compared to its predecessor. 

Overall, It offers solid build quality, a good range of features, and remarkable print quality at an affordable price point. With its ease of use and upgradability, this printer is an ideal option for beginners and hobbyists alike.

Pros

  • Highly affordable
  • Easy to assemble
  • Compact design with decent print volume
  • Prints can be high-quality
  • hackable and upgradable

Cons

  • Print bed leveling is tricky
  • Magnetic bed not to everyone’s liking
  • We’ve encountered problems with brittle filament
  • Sometimes, additional adhesion materials are needed

3. Anycubic Kobra Plus

The third one on our list is the Anycubic Kobra Plus 3D printer. The Anycubic Kobra Plus emerges as a standout option for beginners venturing into the world of 3D printing. Combining user-friendly features, impressive print quality, and an affordable price tag, the Kobra Plus has the potential to be a dream machine for those new to 3D printing.

Setting up the Anycubic Kobra Plus is a breeze, thanks to its streamlined design and intuitive user interface. The printer arrives partially assembled, reducing the intimidation factor for beginners. The sturdy construction ensures stability during printing, minimizing any potential vibrations that could affect print quality.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Kobra Plus is its print quality. Equipped with a precision nozzle and a heated print bed, it delivers smooth and detailed prints consistently. The printer supports a wide range of filament materials, including PLA, ABS, and TPU, allowing users to experiment and explore different options. Its generous build volume offers ample space to bring your creative ideas to life.

The Kobra Plus also shines in terms of user experience. It features a touchscreen display that provides a user-friendly interface, enabling effortless navigation through the printer’s settings and functions. The integrated Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless control and remote monitoring, adding convenience to the printing process. Additionally, the printer comes with Anycubic’s slicing software, which simplifies the process of preparing 3D models for printing, even for beginners with no prior experience.

For those concerned about noise levels, the Kobra Plus operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful working environment. Its enclosed design also contributes to a more controlled printing atmosphere, reducing the chances of dust or external interference affecting the prints.

In conclusion, With its user-friendly setup, impressive print quality, and affordable price, it ticks all the boxes for those starting their 3D printing journey. 

Pros

  • Large build size
  • Accurate auto bed leveling
  • Build plate releases when cool
  • The touchscreen is easy to use

Cons

  • Bed Slinger
  • No profile in Cura
  • The heated bed takes a while to heat up

4. ELEGOO Resin Mars 3

The next one on our list is the ELEGOO Resin Mars 3 3D Printer. The ELEGOO Resin Mars 3 is a fantastic entry-level option for those just starting their journey into the captivating world of 3D printing. With its user-friendly interface, reliable performance, and exceptional print quality, this printer is tailored to meet the needs of beginners while providing a solid foundation for exploring creative possibilities.

One of the standout features of the ELEGOO Resin Mars 3 is its user-friendly design. The printer boasts a compact and sleek build, making it ideal for those with limited workspace. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen display offers a simple and intuitive interface, allowing users to navigate through settings effortlessly. Additionally, the USB connectivity option enables easy file transfer, ensuring a hassle-free printing experience.

When it comes to performance, the ELEGOO Resin Mars 3 does not disappoint. Equipped with a high-quality 2K monochrome LCD, it delivers impressive print speed without compromising on accuracy or detail. The printer’s robust UV LED light source ensures even and consistent curing, resulting in precise prints every time. The upgraded ball screw design enhances stability, reducing the chances of layer shifting and improving overall print reliability.

One of the most crucial aspects of any 3D printer is print quality, and the ELEGOO Resin Mars 3 excels in this area. The 2560×1440 high-resolution LCD screen, coupled with the printer’s advanced anti-aliasing technology, produces incredibly detailed prints with smooth surfaces and sharp edges. The printer supports a variety of resins, enabling users to experiment with different materials and achieve outstanding results.

All in all, its user-friendly design, reliable performance, and exceptional print quality make it an ideal option to explore the limitless possibilities of 3D printing. With its affordability and impressive features, the ELEGOO Resin Mars 3 is a gateway to unleashing your creativity and bringing your ideas to life.

Pros

  • 4K resolution
  • Super high resolution
  • Included air purification module
  • Hardened scratch-resistant LCD
  • Even light distribution

Cons

  • Air Purifier doesn’t fully eliminate odor
  • Same resolution as the Mars 3
  • Only a slight print quality increase
  • The print plate holder is too tight

5. Bambu Lab P1P

The last one on our list is the Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer. The Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer is thoughtfully designed with beginners in mind. Its compact and sturdy frame is easy to assemble, requiring minimal effort and technical expertise. The printer comes with clear and concise instructions, making the setup process hassle-free. Even those new to 3D printing will find themselves up and running in no time.

Navigating the Bambu Lab P1P is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly interface. The printer is equipped with a crisp LCD screen that provides clear prompts and an intuitive control panel. Users can easily adjust settings, select print files, and monitor the printing progress in real time. 

Despite being marketed towards beginners, the Bambu Lab P1P delivers exceptional print quality. With a printing resolution of up to 50 microns, the printer can produce intricate and detailed models with impressive precision. The layer adhesion is reliable, resulting in sturdy and durable prints. Whether it’s small trinkets or functional prototypes, the Bambu Lab P1P consistently delivers outstanding results.

The Bambu Lab P1P is compatible with a wide range of filament materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and more. This versatility allows beginners to explore different materials and experiment with various printing projects. Additionally, the printer supports multiple slicing software, ensuring compatibility with popular programs like Cura and Simplify3D. This flexibility empowers beginners to find the workflow that best suits their needs.

Bambu Lab is known for its excellent customer support, and the P1P 3D Printer is no exception. Furthermore, the printer’s reliability and durability make it a trustworthy choice for users embarking on their 3D printing journey.

In conclusion, the Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer is a superb choice for beginners. Its user-friendly design, intuitive interface, impressive print quality, versatility, and reliable performance make it a standout option in its class. 

Pros

  • Incredible print speeds
  • Simple yet advanced bed leveling
  • Ease of use features
  • Great auto bed leveling
  • Abundant slicer presets

Cons

  • The control screen feels outdated
  • Proprietary replacement parts
  • Imperfect default print profiles
  • Quite loud while printing fast
  • Has no enclosure

Buying Guide: Best Beginner 3D Printer 2023

When it comes to entering the exciting world of 3D printing, choosing the right beginner-friendly 3D printer in 2023 can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to make an informed decision. This step-by-step buying guide will help you navigate the market and select the best 3D printer to kickstart your 3D printing journey.

Step 1: Define Your Budget
Begin by determining how much you’re willing to invest in your first 3D printer. Prices can vary significantly, so setting a budget will narrow down your options and prevent overspending.

Step 2: Consider Your Printing Needs
Think about what you plan to create with your 3D printer. Are you interested in small trinkets, prototypes, or larger functional parts? Knowing your printing needs will guide you in choosing the right printer size and specifications.

Step 3: Research Printer Types
There are various types of 3D printers, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and more. Research these types to understand their strengths and weaknesses in terms of print quality, speed, and material compatibility.

Step 4: Check Print Material Compatibility
Different 3D printers support different materials, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, or resin. Ensure the printer you choose is compatible with the materials you intend to use for your projects.

Step 5: Review Build Volume
Consider the printer’s build volume, which determines the maximum size of objects you can create. If you plan to print larger items, opt for a printer with a larger build volume.

Step 6: Examine Printing Speed
Printing speed varies among 3D printers. If you want faster results, look for a model with higher printing speeds. Keep in mind that faster printing may sometimes sacrifice print quality.

Step 7: Research Brand and Model
Look into reputable 3D printer brands and models known for their reliability and customer support. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from experienced users can be beneficial.

Step 8: Evaluate Software and Compatibility
Check the compatibility of the 3D printer with the software you plan to use for designing and slicing your 3D models. Some printers are more compatible with certain software packages.

Step 9: Consider Additional Features
Some 3D printers come with extra features like touchscreen displays, automatic bed leveling, or Wi-Fi connectivity. Decide which features are essential for your convenience and workflow.

Step 10: Assess Customer Support and Warranty
Before making your final decision, ensure that the manufacturer offers reliable customer support and a reasonable warranty. This will give you peace of mind in case of any issues.

Step 11: Compare Prices and Deals
Now that you have all the necessary information, compare prices and deals from different retailers. Look out for discounts, bundles, or special offers that can help you get more value for your money.

Step 12: Make Your Purchase
Once you’ve carefully considered all the factors and options, make your purchase from a reputable retailer. Ensure you have all the necessary accessories and materials to start printing right away.

Step 13: Setup and Calibration
After receiving your 3D printer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setup and calibration. Proper calibration ensures accurate and high-quality prints.

Step 14: Start with Simple Prints
As a beginner, start with simple 3D models to familiarize yourself with the printing process. Gradually advance to more complex projects as you gain experience.

Step 15: Join 3D Printing Communities
To enhance your skills and troubleshoot any issues, consider joining online 3D printing communities and forums. These communities are a valuable resource for learning and networking.

Conclusion
Selecting the best beginner 3D printer in 2023 requires careful consideration of your budget, printing needs, and the printer’s specifications. By following this step-by-step buying guide, you can make an informed decision and embark on a rewarding journey into the world of 3D printing.